Disposable oral hygiene applicator

ABSTRACT

A disposable, dispensable oral hygiene applicator attachable to the ball of the user&#39;s fingertip whose finger then functions as a tactile-sensitive, articulated handle by which the applicator may be inserted in the oral cavity and applied omnidirectionally to the teeth, the interproximal areas and the gingival tissues, to clean the teeth and massage the gums. The applicator includes a circular flexible base dimensioned to cover the round ball of the fingertip, the underside of the base having a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive. Projecting upwardly therefrom is an array of soft, flexible, cut, end-rounded bristles, arranged individually or as tufts, that form a miniature circular brush, its crowned face forming a significantly improved surface for better interproximal access, and a charge of dentifrice is adhered to the bristles. The applicator to be used is peeled and lifted from the aluminum foil backing of the supply package.

This application claims priority from Provisional Application U.S. 60/930,506 dated May 17, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates generally to oral hygiene implements for cleaning the teeth, achieving interproximal access and massaging the gingival tissues in an oral cavity, and more particularly to a more accessible, dispensable, one-time use oral hygiene applicator for this purpose which is adherable to the ball of the fingertip whereby the user's finger then functions as a more tactile-sensitive, articulated handle by which the applicator may be inserted into the oral cavity with a greater sense of touch and applied omnidirectionally to sweep and clean the teeth, massage the gums, and to especially gain access to the interproximal areas.

2. Status of Prior Art

To maintain proper oral hygiene, the teeth, and particularly their interproximal areas, must be cleaned at regular and frequent intervals and preferably after each meal. And to maintain the gums in healthy condition, the gums must be massaged and stimulated. To promote oral hygiene, it is customary to use a toothbrush for this purpose having a long, rigid plastic handle, on one end of which is mounted a set of bristles in a linear array to which dentifrice is applied by the user.

When available, a conventional toothbrush is a satisfactory oral hygiene implement. However, there are many situations in public and private places away from home where a toothbrush and a dentifrice are not available. And while most people find it inconvenient to carry a toothbrush to work, and to a restaurant, and it is a common occurrence for travelers to forget to bring along their own toothbrush and toothpaste, one is advised not to neglect oral hygiene even for a day, particularly after meals.

To make it possible for an individual to carry on his person an accessible, dispensable and highly compact toothbrush and also a dentifrice sufficient for a single application, the prior art discloses various oral hygiene implements suitable for this purpose.

Thus the Jacobs U.S. Pat. No. 3,905,113, discloses a dental health tool in the form of an oval strip that is adherable to the fingertip, nylon bristles being mounted on the strip. Deposited on the oval strip between the bristles is a dry dentifrice. The bristles come in pairs, each pair being formed by a filament that is folded into a loop that extends through the base strip and is held in place by a lock strand at the underside of the strip that goes through the loop.

In the MacDonald U.S. Pat. No. 3,070,102, a disposable toothbrush is disclosed in which the bristles are mounted on a flexible plastic base strip having an adhering coating thereon for attaching the base strip to a finger along its length, the bristles containing toothpaste.

The British patent to Fishman 2,122,482, discloses an applicator of generally rectangular shape, dimensioned to adhere to a corresponding rectangular area of the index finger for the user, the applicator having bristles thereon to function as a brush.

The Micciche U.S. Pat. No. 3,298,507, discloses an applicator having bristles in loop form clustered in a rectangular format, a charge of dentifrice being trapped therein.

The Tunderman U.S. Pat. No. 3,902,509, shows a disposable device in the form of a thimble that slips over a finger, a polishing agent being adhered to the outer surface of the thimble which is rubbed over the surface of the teeth to remove food particles therefrom.

Walker U.S. Pat. No. 2,076,681, shows a dental cleaning and massage device in the form of a rubber cot that slips over the finger and is provided with bristles.

In the McCord U.S. Pat. No. 3,952,867, the disposable applicator is in thimble form that slips over the finger.

In my own Porcelli U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,273, dated Oct. 21, 1997, a circular disposable, dispensable oral hygiene applicator with a pressure sensitive layer at its base is attachable to the ball of the user's fingertip and facilitates omnidirectional cleaning of the teeth and it features an improved crowned surface design for addressing the interproximal areas.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, the main object of this invention is to provide an accessible, dispensable, one-time use oral hygiene applicator which is adherable to the ball of the fingertip, whereby the user's finger then functions as a more tactile-sensitive, articulated handle by which the applicator may be inserted in the oral cavity and applied omnidirectionally to the teeth, massage the gums and to especially gain access to the all important interproximal areas and the gingival tissues to effect cleaning and the promoting of oral hygiene.

More particularly, an object of this invention is to provide an oral hygiene applicator adapted to cover the ball of the fingertip, the applicator being formed by a flexible base having anchored thereon a crowned array of soft, flexible, cut, end-rounded bristles.

A significant advantage of the invention is the crowned array of bristles, now cut and end-rounded, having its highest point at the center, which provides access to the interproximal areas of the teeth and serves as a significant improvement over previous designs. Regardless of the direction of the movement of the applicator with the respect to the teeth, interproximal areas and the gums, the applicator presents the same uniform domed surface.

Also an object of the invention is to provide a highly compact package for a daily set of applicators, so that the package may be stored in the pocket, the wallet or in a carrying case and be readily available to be dispensed for use, preferably in a package of three applicators, to better serve as a reminder to the user to brush after each of the three main meals of the day and in fact to record this proper usage.

Briefly stated, these objects are attained in an accessible, dispensable, one-time use oral hygiene applicator attachable to the ball of the user's fingertip for maximum flexibility whose finger then functions as a tactile-sensitive, articulated handle by which the applicator may be inserted into the oral cavity and applied omnidirectionally to clean the teeth, massage the gingival tissues, and through an improved crowned design, better access the interproximal areas.

The applicator includes a circular flexible base dimensioned to cover, and conform to, the round ball of the fingertip which then gives an even more pronounced arcuate form to the already crowned bristle array to better address interproximal areas. Anchored on the base and projecting upward therefrom is a dense array of soft, flexible, cut, end-rounded bristles arranged either individually or in tufts and a charge of dentifrice being entrapped on the bristles. In one embodiment of the applicator adhered to the underside of the base is a carrier disc whose diameter exceeds that of the base and is permanently adhered to the aluminum foil of the supply package to facilitate removal of the applicator which is then able to be attached to the user's fingertip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, and the features thereof, reference is made to the detailed description thereof to be read in connection with the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a magnified top view of an oral hygiene applicator in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a magnified side view of the applicator with its domed top surface;

FIG. 3 is a much magnified side view of a row of cut, end-rounded bristles arranged in tufts and the dentifrice embedded therein;

FIG. 4 illustrates the applicator attached to the ball of the fingertip;

FIG. 5 illustrates the omnidirectional movement characteristics of the applicator;

FIG. 6 illustrates in a magnified idealized view the ability of the arcuate formed bristles to access the interproximal areas of the teeth;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the supply package illustrating the three clear domed housings for the applicators;

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal section of the supply package illustrating the individual storage of the applicators in clear, sealed domes until they are ready to be used;

FIG. 9 is the rear view of the supply package illustrating the peel-up corners that facilitate opening the sealed dome;

FIG. 10 is a view of the supply package imprinted to identify one applicator designated for each of the three meals of the day;

FIG. 11 is a view of the protective slip case with the supply package therein.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION The Applicator:

Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 3, illustrated in these figures is a single, oral hygiene applicator 10 in accordance with the invention. The applicator is disc-shaped so that it may be attached and conformed to the round ball of the user's fingertip. The diameter of the base 11 of the applicator is such that it covers the round ball of a typical fingertip and not the rest of the finger so as to allow for a greater degree of flexibility. The applicator is therefore effectively a disc and as such is easily applied to the fingertip without the need for orientation.

Oral hygiene applicator 10 is constituted by a flexible circular base 11 fabricated of woven nylon or other synthetic plastic or natural fibers on which is anchored a dense array of upward-projecting bristles 12. Each bristle 12 as seen in FIG. 3 in a highly magnified form shows the bristles 12 formed into a tuft. As shown here this three dimensional tuft is one preferred arrangement showing a cluster of straight filaments of nylon or similar material which are interwoven with base 11. As shown in FIG. 3, embedded in the bristles 12 is a dentifrice 13 applied or injected in an appropriate form and entrapped within the filaments that define the tuft.

In practice, the dentifrice 13 may include plaque control, tooth whitener, fluoride, medication and other ingredients promoting oral hygiene. Because each applicator is stored in a sealed cell the dentifrice embedded in the applicator is maintained in a sterile and usable state for a prolonged period.

Coated on the underside of base 11 of the applicator is a layer 11A of a pressure-sensitive adhesive whose composition is such that it is insoluble in water and non-reactive with saliva so that the applicator remains attached to the finger when in the mouth.

The applicator 10, as shown in FIG. 4, is adhered and conforms to the round ball of the fingertip F of the user's finger. Because the applicator is disc-shaped, and the bristles 12 thereon are in a dense circular array and it is free of corners and a bulky base or other discontinuities, it presents a uniform crowned surface regardless of its direction of movement. The applicator therefore functions as an omnidirectional brush, as shown in FIG. 5, for regardless of how the applicator is positioned with respect to the teeth, the interproximal areas and gums, its bristles are always properly oriented. As shown in FIG. 6, optimum contact is made with the circular, domed array of bristles when applied to the teeth, especially to the interproximal areas between the teeth, and this provides the distinct advantage of this improved design.

As shown in FIG. 2, adhered to the underside of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 11A of the circular base 11 of the applicator, is a carrier disc 14 of a thin, flexible film of synthetic plastic material. The diameter of disc 14 is somewhat greater than that of circular base 11 and is permanently bonded to the foil backing sheet 17 as shown in FIG. 3. This facilitates the removal of the applicator with its pressure sensitive adhesive layer from the carrier disc so the applicator then can be applied and conformed to the ball of the user's fingertip.

Operation of the Applicator:

Applicator 10, as shown in FIG. 4, is adhered and conforms to the round ball of a fingertip F of the user's finger. Because the applicator is disc-shaped and the bristles are in a dense circular, domed array, the applicator is free of corners, a bulky base and other discontinuities and presents a crowned surface regardless of its direction of movement. The applicator therefore functions as an omnidirectional brush, as shown in FIG. 5, always presenting a uniform width and uniform contact for optimum coverage, and it then can be manipulated to sweep in any direction. It is a feature of this design improvement that the arcuate bristle array is always properly and uniformly oriented to the teeth and the interproximal areas. FIG. 6 illustrates the natural curvature of the base 11 that occurs when affixed to the ball of the finger and how this curvature enhances the crowning of the surface of the applicator 10 and its ability to affect the interproximal areas.

Also, since the applicator is attached to a finger that functions more effectively as a tactile sensory device and with more articulation, as contrasted to the stiff, unarticulated handle of a conventional toothbrush, the applicator may be applied to regions of the teeth and interproximal areas with a greater sense of thoroughness and with a more gentle touch to the gums. A finger has as its very nature a more immediate tactile sensitivity, hence, when the applicator is attached to the ball of the fingertip, the finger can apply more or less pressure as is necessary to effectively scrub the engaged dental surface and less pressure when applied to the more sensitive gingival tissues.

A finger ball is “the padded rounded underside of a human finger . . . near the tip” (Webster's Third New International Dictionary).

The dimensions of the circular base of an applicator in accordance with the invention are such as to cover this round ball and not the rest of the finger. In practice, an applicator having a diameter of approximately ⅝ of an inch (15.8 mm) to ¾ of an inch (19.0 mm) will cover the typical rounded ball of a user's fingertip for the greatest percentile of the public. The fingertip, being the most sensitive part of the finger, can manipulate easily the symmetry of the dental applicator attached to its ball to sweep over all the front, rear and top and bottom surfaces of the teeth in any direction better than the standard rectangular toothbrush or with an applicator having a non-circular shape and therefore lacking in omnidirectional characteristics.

Utility:

The usefulness of an applicator in accordance with the invention is not limited to those situations where the user lacks access to a regular toothbrush. Indeed, the applicator, by reason of its omnidirectional characteristics, its crowned top surface and the fact that the articulated, tactile-sensitive finger of the user serves as its handle, has distinct advantages, not the least of which is the convenience of being easily carried in pocket, purse, case and lunch box, the latter item of particular interest in promoting good oral hygiene for school age children.

On a conventional toothbrush a recommended motion for brushing the teeth takes into account the orientation of the bristles, so that for an effective scrubbing action, the brush should be manipulated to sweep over the surfaces of the teeth in both a straight path and a circular orbit. This is not difficult for an adult to carry out, but children have to be carefully taught how to manipulate a toothbrush. With an omnidirectional applicator without a cumbersome handle in accordance with the invention, a child may willingly adopt a proper approach to oral hygiene with this novel device, for there is no need to first apply toothpaste to the brush (another problem) since the proper amount of dentifrice is already applied and the child has no difficulty in putting a finger in his mouth, and in fact may enjoy doing so, for this is an action the child has practiced since infancy. And since children, and some adults, are known to apply excessive amounts of toothpaste to conventional toothbrushes, the applicator with its pre-applied toothpaste will result in a more economical and uniform use of toothpaste.

After the teeth have been cleaned and the gums massaged, there is no need, as with a conventional toothbrush, to rinse the brush and put it back in the holder, sometimes the source of another problem, for all that needs to be done is to detach the applicator from the finger and to properly discard it. With a conventional toothbrush, it is important that the brush be maintained in a sterile condition but applicator 10 is a one time use and a fresh sterile applicator is used each time.

The labeling on the applicator supply package is marked with the three meals of the day, as shown in FIG. 10, and serves to remind adults, and particularly children, of the proper oral hygiene regimen to be followed after each of the three main meals of the day.

Supply Package:

As shown in FIG. 7, a compact supply package 15 in accordance with this invention is in a stick-of-gum format which serves to protectively store in sterile condition in individual cells three oral hygiene applicators 10 of the type shown in FIG. 1. Enclosing the applicator in the individual cell is a circular dome 16 whose cylindrical height is slightly higher than that of the applicator. The domes 16 as seen in FIG. 8 are molded of a transparent, rigid plastic material. Bonded to the underside of the applicator carrier disc and the clear plastic film with its three domes is a rectangular sheet of aluminum foil 17, which serves to seal the three domed cells and whose dimensions coincide with the clear plastic film with its three domes.

To remove a selected applicator 10 from its storage cell, the user turns the package over to face the foil side as seen in FIG. 9, which contains perforations between the cells. On the corners of each of the domed panels, there is a peel-up tab of foil 18 that has not been sealed to the clear plastic film and this tab can be lifted by the user to break the sterile seal, to peel back the aluminum foil 17 and to expose the applicator 10. The user can then peel off the applicator 10 from its carrier disc 14, which is permanently adhered to the foil back sheet, and apply it to the ball of the user's fingertip.

This novel innovative supply package 15 in a stick-of-gum format as shown in FIG. 10 with a protective slip case 18 as shown in FIG. 11, can be conveniently stored in a pocket, wallet, purse, case, lunch box or backpack so that it is available wherever and whenever the user has the occasion to brush his teeth. And the array of three applicators is a distinct and constant reminder to brush after each of the three meals of the day and as one does so it records a successful adhering to the daily regimen of, and the promotion of, healthy oral hygiene. 

1. A disposable, dispensable oral hygiene applicator adherable to the ball of a fingertip of a user whose finger then functions as an articulated handle by which the applicator may then be swept in any direction over the teeth, interproximal areas and gingival tissues in the oral cavity of the user, said applicator comprising: A. a circular base of flexible material having coated on its underside a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive and having dimensions corresponding substantially to those of the round ball of the fingertip to which it is to be adhered and conformed; and B. a circular array of soft, flexible, cut, end-rounded bristles anchored on the circular base and projecting upwardly and with a crowned top surface, to be highest at the center and therefore being an improvement to be especially adaptable for reaching into the interproximal areas.
 2. An applicator as set forth in claim 1, in which said base is flexible and is formed of woven nylon or other material and the upwardly projecting bristles therefrom are arranged individually or in tufts into a crowned circular array.
 3. An applicator as set forth in claim 2, further including a carrier disc of flexible material releasably adhered to the underside layer of the base of the applicator and having a larger diameter and this carrier disc is permanently adhered to the aluminum foil backing sheet of the supply package to facilitate the peeling of the applicator from the carrier disc.
 4. An applicator as set forth in claim 1 further including a charge of a dentifrice embedded in the bristles of the brush whereby the dentifrice is released when the brush is moistened and pressed against the teeth.
 5. An array of three applicators as set forth in claim 1 in a sealed supply package imprinted in accordance with the three meals of the day serving as both reminder and recorder of one's adherence to proper daily oral hygiene. 